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STATE OF HAWAII
BOARD OF EDUCATION

Thursday, January 8, 1998
Hilo High School Library
556 Waianuenue Avenue
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
GENERAL BUSINESS MEETING
MINUTES



ATTENDANCE

Karen Knudsen, Chairperson
Kelly T. King, First Vice Chairperson
Dr. Mitsugi Nakashima, Second Vice Chairperson
Lex Brodie
Dr. John Mike Compton
Janelle Ishida
Denise Matsumoto (excused)
Francis R. McMillen (excused)
Ronald B.Y. Nakano
Noemi Lynn Pendleton
Keith Sakata
Winston Sakurai
Garrett Toguchi
Herbert S. Watanabe


Stanley T. Seki, Deputy Superintendent of Education
Dr. Donald R. Nugent, Assistant Superintendent, Office of Personnel Services
Bartholomew Kane, State Librarian













I. Call to Order

The general business meeting of the Board of Education was called to order at 3:35 p.m., on Thursday, January 8, 1998, by Chairperson Karen Knudsen, in the Hilo High School Library.

The meeting began with the posting of the colors and Pledge of Allegiance.

II.Board's Recognition of Achievements

None.

III.Approval of Minutes, Appointments, and Contracts

A. Minutes

It was moved by Mrs. King and seconded by Mr. Sakurai that the Board of Education approve the minutes of the general business meeting held on
November 6, 1997; and the Special Meeting held on November 13, 1997.

The motion carried and the minutes were approved.

B. Personnel Appointments

None.

C. Contract

None.

IV.Reports

A.Superintendent

Deputy Superintendent Stanley Seki called on Hawaii District Superintendent Patricia Bergin, to introduce two exemplary Hawaii District programs.

1.Hilo Union Elementary School Safety Committee Presentation

Board members were shown a video on school safety by Jayne Fujioka, Hilo Union Elementary School principal. Ms. Fujioka commended the members of Hilo Union's school safety committee. She also praised Board member Herbert Watanabe for providing invaluable inservice training to school administrators regarding facilities' safety issues while he was with the department.

Mr. Seki reported that the video would be telecast on Olelo throughout the year.







2. District Presentation: Parent Involvement in Literacy

Hilo Union

Esther Kottke, Title I Coordinator, and Carol Callison, Parent-Community Networking Center (PCNC) coordinator, gave a presentation regarding Hilo Union School's parent involvement programs and activities, including its "Read and Feed" program.

Hookena

Mary Correa and other members of Hookena School's school community reported on Hookena's parent-involvement program.

Kaumana

Mary Ann Paulos, PCNC coordinator, gave a presentation on Kaumana's efforts to promote family literacy at the school.

Mr. Seki reviewed materials given to board members including:

(1) The status of the administrative package bills (Exhibit 1);

(2)The Superintendent's Update, including an article detailing Education Week's report on the state of education in Hawaii (Exhibit 2); and

(3) Articles from the Honolulu Star Bulletin and the Honolulu Advertiser.

Mrs. Knudsen asked that an executive summary of the Education Week article be provided to Board members.

Mr. Seki also reported the Senate Committee on Ways and Means is requesting that the department provide objective data on its programs. The data will then be used to evaluate the success or failure of the department's various programs.
Mr. Seki also stated that the Governor will be holding a cabinet meeting tomorrow and that more information would be provided to Board members after the meeting.

B.State Librarian

Mr. Kane reviewed materials given to board members including:

(1)Ho'ala News;

(2)Teamlines;

(3)Acquisitions design team recommended schedule change;

(4)An article from American Libraries;

(5)Monthly updates on circulation, cataloging, and expenditures;

(6)Expenditure plan through 12/31; and

(7)Baker & Taylor and Carl Corporation.
C. Other Boards, Commissions, and Councils

None.

D.Officers and Board Committees

Mrs. Knudsen stated that:

(1) The officers had met with the Governor and certain legislators and that the outlook for the State's economy is not very good;

(2) The Governor has indicated that he would like to meet with Board members prior to the Board's developmental workshop scheduled for January 24th;

(3) Janelle Ishida will be the Chairperson of the Committee on Student Services, the first time that a student has been named chair of a committee;

(4) Mrs. King will be chairing the Select Committee on Academic Renewal;

(5) Board members interested in serving on the select committee should contact either herself or Mrs. King;

(6) Board members wishing to change their committee assignments should find someone willing to trade committees; and

(7) Revisions to the committee structure are under consideration.

E.Board Members' Concerns

By consensus, Board members agreed to defer this matter to the end of the meeting.

V.Executive Session on Personnel, Collective Bargaining, and Legal Matters

It was moved by Mrs. King and seconded by Dr. Nakashima that the Board of Education go immediately into executive session.

The motion carried unanimously.

The meeting moved into executive session at 5:15 p.m. and returned to open session at 5:55 p.m. to go into immediate recess.

The meeting resumed at 6:50 p.m. with introductions of the Board, Department and HSPLS staff members, and Hawaii District personnel.

VIRequests, Petitions, Etc., from the Public

Mountain View - Connections Program (Attachment A)

John Thatcher, Mae Kaler, Ting Ortiz, Donna Nooney, and Sally Wilburn from Mountain View School requested that the Board consider adopting a policy to support, assist in the implementation, and review of schools-within-schools. They also asked that the Mountain View Connections program be allowed to continue, unimpeded by administrative intervention.

Dr. Nakashima stated that if Mountain View permits the school administrator to make the final decision regarding the continuation of the program, the SCBM Council has abdicated its responsibility.

Mrs. King noted that the Board has a policy requiring principals of large schools to assess whether programs to ameliorate the effects of their schools' large size should be established. She also suggested that the Committee on Support Services look into approving a policy authorizing schools to establish a school-within-a-school if desired.

Ms. Clara Coit submitted written testimony requesting additional clerical staffing be provided to the schools (Attachment B).

Mrs. Knudsen noted that additional clerical positions were requested in the department's supplemental budget request and that members of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means were also interested in providing needed help.

Casey Carpenter testified relative to recommendations made by the Big Island School Counselors Association (Attachment C).

Jon Olson, Puna Community Council legislative chair, testified that the Council has submitted its legislative package to the Legislature. He stated that the Puna district cannot afford any further cuts to education as Puna is a community in crisis and already lacks the necessary resources.

Claire Seu spoke in support of the proposed Gifted and Talented Policy approved by the Committee on Special Programs (Attachment D).

Mark Watanabe testified in support of the proposed Vocational-Technical Education policy (Attachment E).

Mary Tullis Hudak expressed concerns regarding implementation of the Comprehensive Student Support Services program on the island of Hawaii (Attachment F).

Dano Banks requested the Board's continued support for vocational education programs (Attachment G).

Clarice Mauricio shared information with the Board regarding central auditory processing disorders (CAPD). Ms. Mauricio requested that the department provide greater assistance to children afflicted with CAPD, including appropriate screening for the disorder.

Dr. Nakashima suggested that this matter be referred to the Special Programs Committee.

Christine Butcher testified as to the difficulties she had obtaining needed special education services for her son.

Greg Sankos testified in support of the continuation of the Connections Program at Mountain View.




Sandy Bonk testified in support of the principal at Mountain View, the establishment of other school-within-a-school programs, teacher training programs, and historic preservation.
Muriel Hughes, former Mountain View School principal, spoke in support of increasing parental involvement and ensuring that the SCBM process moves forward.

Recess was called at 9:25 p.m.; the meeting was called back to order at 9:50 p.m.

Written testimony was submitted for the record by Derek Inouye of Pahoa High School asking for the Board's continued support of Vocational Education (Attachment H).

VII.Recommendations for Action

A.Approval of the Proposed Board of Education Policy on Safe Workplace (Committee on Support Services)

It was moved by Mr. Sakata, seconded by Mrs. King, that the Board of Education approve the proposed BOE Policy on Safe Workplace.

Mr. Toguchi stated that a workplace non-violence policy is required by OSHA and HIOSH guidelines. He noted that while the policy does provide for immediate termination, employees' due process rights are protected.

Mr. Sakata felt that by adopting the policy, the Board would be making a statement that workplace violence will not be tolerated.

Mrs. King noted that the HSTA was recommending that the policy be amended to make workplace violence "grounds for immediate discipline" rather than "grounds for immediate termination." She then suggested that the word, "immediate," be deleted from the second sentence of the proposed policy as she felt that the immediate termination of a DOE employee is not a realistic option.

Dr. Nakashima spoke in support of the adopting the HSTA's recommendation. He stated that "discipline" is a much broader term and includes termination as a possible consequence for workplace violence.

Mr. Sakata felt that including the word, "termination," in the policy would be an effective deterrent to workplace violence.

Mr. Watanabe agreed with Mrs. King with regard to deleting the word, "immediate." He also asked whether the board would be violating the UPW contract should it adopt the policy.

In response to Mr. Watanabe, Assistant Superintendent Donald Nugent, Office of Personnel Services, stated that: (1) the establishment of a policy is within the Board's authority; and (2) if the UPW feels that the policy is inappropriate, it can file a complaint with the Hawaii Labor Relations Board or negotiate an agreement with the department.

Dr. Nakashima stated that: (1) empty threats should not be included in Board policies; and (2) he did not believe that the Board's adoption of the policy would violate the UPW contract.

Mr. Nakano suggested amending the proposed policy by deleting the words, "and shall be grounds for immediate termination," from the second sentence of the proposed policy.

Mrs. King stated that by approving the proposed policy, the committee was adopting a "zero tolerance" stance against workplace violence. She felt that without the express threat of termination, the policy would be severely weakened.

Mr. Watanabe moved, Mr. Sakurai seconded, to amend the proposed policy by deleting the word, "immediate," from the second sentence of the proposed policy.

The motion carried.

Responding to Dr. Nakashima, Dr. Nugent stated that while not expressly stated, the DOE's past practice has been to progressively discipline employees. However, he indicated that the disciplinary action taken also depends upon how egregious the misconduct is.

Dr. Nakashima felt that stating that workplace violence shall be grounds for termination is inconsistent with the concept of progressive discipline.

Mr. Toguchi stated that the board's policy simply states the position of the Board and that any needed changes to the department regulations or to collective bargaining agreements can be made after the adoption of the policy.

While speaking in favor of the policy, Dr. Compton suggested that perhaps the word, "may," be substituted for the word, "shall," in the second sentence of the proposed policy.

Mr. Watanabe moved, Dr Nakashima seconded, to amend the proposed policy by deleting the words, "and shall be grounds for termination," from the second sentence of the proposed policy.

The motion failed to carry.

Mr. Sakurai moved, Mr. Nakano seconded, to amend the proposed policy by substituting the word, "may," for the word, "shall," from the second sentence of the proposed policy.

Mr. Sakurai spoke in favor of the motion. He felt that the third sentence of the proposed policy was the substantive part of the policy.

Mr. Toguchi spoke against the motion. He felt that by deleting the word, "shall," the decision as to whether or not to terminate an employee would become a subjective one.

Mr. Nakano spoke in favor of the motion, stating that it made good sense and was consistent with the third sentence of the proposed policy. Dr. Compton also spoke in favor of the motion.

Mrs. King and Mr. Sakata spoke against the motion.

Dr. Nakashima again cautioned Board members against including the empty threat of termination in the policy.

Mr. Watanabe called for the question. Mr. Nakano seconded the motion.

The motion to cease debate carried.

By a roll call vote, the motion to amend carried with Mr. Brodie, Dr. Compton, Mrs. Knudsen, Mr. Nakano, Dr. Nakashima, Mr. Sakurai, and Mr. Watanabe voting yes; Mrs. King, Mr. Sakata, and Mr. Toguchi voting no.

Mr. Watanabe moved, Mr. Nakano seconded, for the previous question.

The motion to cease debate carried.

The main motion, as amended, carried with Mr. Toguchi voting no.

B.Approval of Proposed Board of Education Policy on Vocational-Technical Education (Committee on Regular Education, K-12)

It was moved by Dr. Nakashima, seconded by Mr. Watanabe, that the Board of Education approve the proposed BOE Policy on Vocational-Technical Education.

Dr. Nakashima explained that the memorandum recommending the approval of the policy contained an inaccuracy as the policy would not be replacing the existing regulations, but instead would be correcting the current situation where there is an existing regulation without a corresponding policy. He added that the adoption of the policy would be sending a very clear message to department staff that vocational-technical education programs are important part of the school curriculum.

In response to Mr. Brodie, Dr. Nakashima stated that vocational-technical education comprises more than just the traditional vocational programs, citing the application of computers to various career fields as an example.

Mr. Brodie felt that the number of available technical jobs in Hawaii is very small and that because of the lack of jobs, people are moving to the continental United States.

Mr. Watanabe stated that he has been involved with vocational-technical educational programs for all of his life and that the primary reason for the change in focus from the traditional vocational programs to technical ones is that technology has advanced so much.

In response to Mr. Toguchi, Dr. Nakashima stated that vocational-technical education was not included in the Hawaii Content and Performance Standards otherwise it would be required program for all students.

Mr. Watanabe moved, Dr. Nakashima seconded, for the previous question.

The motion carried.

The main motion carried.





C.Approval of Proposed 1998 Board of Education Committee Assignments (Chairperson)

It was moved by Mrs. King, seconded by Mr. Nakano, that the Board of Education approve the proposed 1998 Board of Education Committee Assignments.

Dr. Compton stated that: (1) he was interested in serving on one of the collective bargaining committees; and (2) he felt that it was important for Board members to gain experience by serving on different committees.

Mr. Toguchi stated that the Board By-Laws do not prevent a non-officer from chairing a select committee and therefore, suggested that Mr. Sakurai be permitted to chair the Select Committee on Budget and Fiscal Accountability.

Mrs. Knudsen indicated that no changes would be made to the committee assignments at this time. She stated that the Board Chairperson determines the committee assignments with the input of the Board officers.

Mr. Sakata complimented the Board leadership for selecting Ms. Ishida as chairperson of the Committee on Student Services.

Dr. Compton stated that should one of the members of the collective bargaining committees agree to switch committee assignments with him, he would be willing to give up the chair of the Special Programs' Committee.

Mrs. Knudsen stated that if needed, revisions to the committee structure will be made.

The motion carried.

D.Approval of Nominees to the Performance Standards Review Commission (Committee on Regular Education, K-12)

It was moved by Dr. Nakashima, seconded by Mr. Nakano, that the Board of Education appoint the following nominees to the Performance Standards Review Commission:

SUSAN ST. AUBIN, President, Hawaii State Parent Teacher Student Association;

ALLISON CHUNG, Hawaii State Student Council;

HERMAN M. AIZAWA, Superintendent of Education;

CHARLES ARAKI, Interim Dean of the College of Education, University of Hawaii;

JANICE JENNER, School Administrator;

SADAO YANAGI, School Renewal Specialist;

STEPHANIE KAMAKEAINA, Teacher;

VELMA LEE, Resource Teacher;

SAKAE LOO, Community-at-large;

ROBIN CAMPANIANO, Business Community; and,

ORMOND HAMMOND, Director of Research and Evaluation, Pacific Resources for Education and Learning.

Mr. Brodie stated that he is going to vote against the commission's present configuration as he felt that the private sector was underrepresented.

In response to Mr. Brodie, Dr. Nakashima stated that in order to assess the effectiveness of the Hawaii Content and Performance Standards (HCPS) within the required time period, the commission members need to be familiar with educational practice. He added that the department had difficulty finding people willing to serve on the commission due to extremely limited budget the commission will be working with.

Mr. Brodie felt that some of the HCPS need to be revised in light of concerns raised by the business community.

Mr. Nakano spoke in favor of the motion.

In response to Mr. Toguchi, Dr. Nakashima stated that the number of commission members is not set by statute.

While stating that he would be voting for the motion, Dr. Compton agreed with Mr. Brodie that it may be helpful to have a broader range of representation on the commission.

Responding to Mrs. King, Dr. Paul Ban, Administrative Assistant to the Superintendent, stated that: (1) persons from the business community were asked to serve on the commission, but that they declined to do so because of the limited funding available for the commission; and (2) the Outrigger Hotels, Aloha Airlines, and other businesses in partnership with the DOE were contacted to participate on the commission.

In response to Mr. Brodie, Dr. Ban stated that Robin Campaniano is representing the Business Roundtable.

Mr. Toguchi questioned why Mr. Campaniano is on the commission if an education background is needed. Mr. Sakata stated that education is important to business.

Dr. Nakashima stated that he has the highest respect for Sakae Loo who will be named to chair the commission and that given the limited time period in which the commission has to conduct the review, the commission members need technical expertise..

Mrs. Knudsen stated to Dr. Nakashima that they need to see if they can get some money for these people.



In response to Mr. Watanabe, Mrs. Knudsen stated that Senator Tam and Representative Stegmaier have agreed to introduce this measure.

Mr. Sakurai moved for the previous question; Dr. Compton seconded the motion.

The motion to cease debate carried.
The main motion carried with two no votes; voting no were Mr. Brodie and
Mr. Toguchi.

E.Approval of Proposed Legislation Making an Appropriation for the Board of Education's Performance Standards Review Commission (Committee on Regular Education, K-12)

A motion was made by Dr. Nakashima and seconded by Dr. Compton that the Board of Education approve the proposed legislation making an appropriation for the Board of Education's Performance Standards Review Commission.

Dr. Nakashima explained that the bill is requesting an appropriation of $30,000 for the Performance Standards Review Commission.

In response to Mr. Watanabe, Mrs. Knudsen stated that Senator Tam and Representative Stegmaier have agreed to introduce the measure in their respective houses of the Legislature.

Mr. Watanabe moved for the previous question; Mr. Sakata seconded the motion.

The motion to cease debate carried.

The main motion carried.

IV. Reports

E.Board Members' Concerns

Dr. Compton stated that he is concerned about the effect the closing of plantations on Kauai will have on students and that he hopes that the department will be ready with a plan as to how to minimize the effect of the closings on students.

Mr. Toguchi requested that the department provide periodic status reports on all of the complaints received regarding the delivery of special education services.

In response to Mr. Toguchi, Mrs. Knudsen stated that Mr. Seki is heading a group working on the matter and that there has been some discussion regarding having an ombudsman attached to the Board office. Mrs. King added that she has been working with Mr. Seki on having a complaint procedure established and distributed to parents.

Mr. Toguchi felt that a separate complaint procedure should be established for special education services.

Mr. Watanabe stated that a Lions Club member in Alabama called him to let him know how impressed he was with the members of the Pearl City High School Band.

Dr. Compton requested clarification from the department regarding the delivery of special education services to students who are being homeschooled.

VIII. Adjournment

Mr. Sakurai moved to adjourn, Dr. Nakashima seconded; and the meeting was adjourned at 11:15 p.m.
Submitted for Approval




GALEN K. ONOUYE, Esq.
Executive Director


Approved by the Board




KAREN KNUDSEN
Chairperson